Nigerian labor unions called off protests and resumed talks with the government following demonstrations against what they called President Bola Tinubu’s “anti-poor policies” that have caused a surge in the cost of living.
The Nigerian Labour Congress, a national umbrella body for workers, staged boisterous but largely peaceful demonstrations in Lagos, Abuja and some state capitals on Wednesday to press demands that the government reverse course.
It later met with Tinubu and was assured that steps are being taken to ease gasoline prices — which have more than tripled since the president ended fuel subsidies — by boosting supplies.
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“He pledged to ensure that agreement is reached on a wage award for Nigerian workers immediately,” the NLC said in a statement posted on its website. “We wait for the government to fulfill its own part of the understanding.”
Tinubu had declared a wage deal was close in a national address on Monday at which he announced a 500 billion-naira ($649 million) package of measures to boost the economy and improve food supplies.
NLC leaders said they were told that gasoline supplies would be lifted when the country’s 210,000 barrel-per-day refinery in Port Harcourt, which is currently undergoing rehabilitation, starts production in December.
“On the strength of the president’s pledge and commitment, we have decided for a return to a new and reinvigorated dialogue process,” the NLC said.
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Nigeria’s cost of living has soared since Tinubu abolished costly fuel subsidies. A subsequent devaluation of the naira has also fanned inflation, which quickened to 22.8% in June — the fastest pace in almost 18 years.
While the measures have earned a positive response from investors, sending stocks and bond prices higher, the rising cost of living is testing the patience of ordinary Nigerians.
In Abuja, protesters forced open the gates of the National Assembly while lawmakers were in session, according to reports in the Daily Trust newspaper. Security officials had initially prevented the demonstrators from accessing the complex.
“I closed my shop to join the protests because things are getting out of hand,” Kenneth Odogwu, a trader in Lagos, said by phone. “I don’t have a motor (car) but I buy fuel for a generator. I can’t do that anymore. The suffering is too much. It must not continue.”
--With assistance from Ruth Olurounbi.
